Exercise system and method

ABSTRACT

A deck for a treadmill includes a continuous track, and a plurality of slats connected to the track. The track and the plurality of slats at least partly define an inner space of the deck, and are rotatable about the inner space. The deck also includes a first motor configured to modify a speed of rotation of the track, and a second motor configured to modify a position of the deck relative to a support surface on which the deck is supported. The first motor and the second motor are disposed within the inner space.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.15/686,875, filed Aug. 25, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/380,412, filed Aug. 27, 2016. The entiredisclosures of each of the above applications are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to the field of exercise equipmentand methods associated therewith. In particular, this applicationrelates to an exercise system and method configured to provide streamingand on-demand exercise classes to one or more users.

BACKGROUND

Humans are competitive by nature, striving to improve their performanceboth as compared to their own prior efforts and as compared to others.Humans are also drawn to games and other diversions, such that eventasks that a person may find difficult or annoying can become appealingif different gaming elements are introduced. Existing home and gym-basedexercise systems and methods frequently lack key features that allowparticipants to compete with each other, converse with each other, andthat gamify exercise activities.

While some existing exercise equipment incorporates diversions such asvideo displays that present content or performance data to the userwhile they exercise, these systems lack the ability to truly engage theuser in a competitive or gaming scenario that improves both the user'sexperience and performance. Such systems also lack the ability tofacilitate real-time sharing of information, conversation, data, and/orother content between users, as well as between an instructor and one ormore users.

To improve the experience and provide a more engaging environment, gymsoffer exercise classes such as aerobics classes, yoga classes, or otherclasses in which an instructor leads participants in a variety ofexercises. Such class-based experiences, however, are accessible only atspecific times and locations. As a result, they are unavailable to manypotential users, generally are very expensive, and often sell-out sothat even users in a location convenient to the gym cannot reserve aclass. Example embodiments of the present disclosure address theseproblems, providing an exercise machine, embodied by an exampletreadmill, that incorporates multimedia inputs and outputs for livestreaming or archived instructional content, socially networked audioand video chat, networked performance metrics and competitioncapabilities, along with a range of gamification features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a deck for atreadmill includes a continuous track, and a plurality of slatsconnected to the track. The track and the plurality of slats at leastpartly define an inner space of the deck, and are rotatable about theinner space. The deck also includes a first motor configured to modify aspeed of rotation of the track, and a second motor configured to modifya position of the deck relative to a support surface on which the deckis supported. The first motor and the second motor are disposed withinthe inner space.

In another example embodiment of the present disclosure, a treadmillincludes a deck, an upper assembly connected to the deck and including acrossbar, a display supported by the crossbar, and a controller operablyconnected to the deck and the display. In such an example, the deckincludes a continuous track, and a plurality of slats connected to thetrack, the track and the plurality of slats forming a substantiallyplanar running surface and at least partly defining an inner space ofthe deck. The deck also includes a first motor configured to modify aspeed of rotation of the track, and a second motor configured to modifya position of the deck relative to a support surface on which theexercise machine is supported. In such examples, the first motor and thesecond motor are disposed within the inner space. track

In a further example embodiment of the present disclosure, a method ofmanufacturing a treadmill includes providing a substantially rigid framehaving a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall,a least one at least one crossbar extending from the first sidewall tothe second sidewall. The method also includes connecting a first motorto the frame, connecting a second motor to the frame, engaging acontinuous track with the first motor, and connecting a plurality ofslats to the track. In such examples, the track and the plurality ofslats form a substantially planar running surface, and the track, theplurality of slats, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall at leastpartly define an inner space. Additionally, in such examples the firstmotor and the second motor are disposed within the inner space, thefirst motor is configured to modify a speed of rotation of the track,and the second motor is configured to modify a position of the framerelative to a support surface on which the frame is supported.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Thesame reference numbers in different figures indicate similar oridentical items.

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary exercise machine asdisclosed herein with a user shown.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of another exemplary exercise machineas disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a further exemplaryexercise machine as disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of still another exemplary exercisemachine as disclosed herein with a user shown.

FIG. 5 is an illustration showing an exemplary exercise machine asdisclosed herein including illustrations of exemplary informationdisplayed on a display screen, a personal digital device, as well asweights and other accessory devices.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of yet another exemplary exercise machine asdisclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of still another exemplary exercisemachine as disclosed herein with a user shown.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary user interface of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration showing exemplary components used forcontent creation and/or distribution.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a basic network architectureaccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a chart showing an example embodiment of a methodfor synchronizing data among different users participating in the samelive or on-demand exercise class.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example user interface of the present disclosureincluding information related to featured exercise classes.

FIG. 13 illustrates another example user interface of the presentdisclosure including information related to featured exercise classes.

FIG. 14 illustrates a further example user interface of the presentdisclosure including information related to a class library.

FIG. 15 illustrates another example user interface of the presentdisclosure including information related to a selected exercise class.

FIG. 16 illustrates still another example user interface of the presentdisclosure showing an exercise class and a scorecard.

FIG. 17 illustrates yet another example user interface of the presentdisclosure showing an exercise class and a scorecard.

FIG. 18 illustrates a further example user interface of the presentdisclosure showing an exercise class and a leaderboard.

FIG. 19 illustrates another example user interface of the presentdisclosure including information related to a just run user experience.

FIG. 20 illustrates still another example user interface of the presentdisclosure including information related to scenic running pathsassociated with the just run user experience.

FIG. 21 illustrates yet another example user interface of the presentdisclosure including information related to competitions associated withthe just run user experience.

FIG. 22 illustrates a further example user interface of the presentdisclosure including performance information associated with aparticular exercise class.

FIG. 23 illustrates another example user interface of the presentdisclosure including performance information associated with aparticular exercise class.

FIG. 24 illustrates still another example user interface of the presentdisclosure including performance information associated with aparticular exercise class.

FIG. 25 illustrates an exercise machine according to still anotherexample embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 illustrates an exploded view of the example exercise machineshown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 illustrates a belt associated with the example exercise machineshown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 illustrates a slat associated with the example exercise machineshown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 illustrates another view of the example exercise machine shownin FIG. 25 including one or more sensors and one or more controls.

FIG. 30 illustrates a control architecture associated with the exampleexercise machine shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 31 illustrates an exploded view of a rotary control associated withthe example exercise machine shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 32 illustrates another view of the example exercise machine shownin FIG. 25 including first and second rotary controls.

FIG. 33 illustrates an exploded view of a substantially linear controlassociated with the example exercise machine shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 34 illustrates another view of the example exercise machine shownin FIG. 25 including first and second substantially linear controls.

FIG. 35 illustrates a portion of the example exercise machine shown inFIG. 25 including a substantially linear control.

FIG. 36 illustrates another exploded view of the example exercisemachine shown in FIG. 25. The exploded view of FIG. 36 illustratesvarious components of the exercise machine in further detail.

FIG. 37 illustrates slats and a track according to another exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 38 is an exploded view of an example slat shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 illustrates an isometric view of the example slat shown in FIG.38.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of a base of the slat shown in FIG.38.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use aspects of the example embodiments describedherein. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forthto provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.Descriptions of specific embodiments or applications are provided onlyas examples. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and general principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments and applications withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, thepresent disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodimentsshown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent withthe principles and features disclosed herein.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure include networked exercisesystems and methods whereby one or more exercise devices, such astreadmills, rowing machines, stationary bicycles, elliptical trainers,or any other suitable equipment, may be equipped with an associatedlocal system that allows a user to fully participate in liveinstructor-led or recorded exercise classes from any location that canaccess a suitable communications network. The networked exercise systemsand methods may include backend systems with equipment including withoutlimitation servers, digital storage systems, and other hardware as wellas software to manage all processing, communications, database, andother functions. The networked exercise systems and methods may alsoinclude one or more studio or other recording locations with cameras,microphones, and audio and/or visual outputs where one or moreinstructors can lead exercise classes and in some embodiments where liveexercise classes can be conducted, and where such live and previouslyrecorded classes can be distributed via the communications network. Invarious embodiments there may be a plurality of recording locations thatcan interact with each other and/or with any number of individual users.

In various embodiments, the example exercise systems and machinesdescribe herein provide for full interactivity in all directions.Whether remote or in the same location, instructors may be able tointeract with users, users may be able to interact with instructors, andusers may be able to interact with other users. Through the disclosednetworked exercise systems and machines, instructors may be able tosolicit feedback from users, and users may be able to provide feedbackto the instructor, vote or express opinions on different choices oroptions, and communicate regarding their experience. Such exampleexercise systems and machines allow for interaction through all media,including one or more video channels, audio including voice and/ormusic, and data including a complete range of performance data, vitalstatistics, chat, voice, and text-based and other communications.

In various embodiments, the exercise systems and machines describedherein also allow an unlimited number of remote users to view andparticipate in the same live or recorded content simultaneously, and invarious embodiments they may be able to interact with some or all of theother users viewing same content. Remote users can participate in liveexercise classes offered from any available remote recording location,or they can access previously recorded classes archived in the systemdatabase. In various embodiments, a plurality of remote users cansimultaneously access the same recorded class and interact with eachother in real time, or they can access the same recorded class atdifferent times and share data and communications about theirperformance or other topics.

Thus, the networked exercise systems and machines, and the correspondingmethods described herein, provide for content creation, contentmanagement and distribution, and content consumption. Various aspects ofsuch exercise systems and machines, and the potential interactionsbetween such machines, will now be described in more detail.

Exercise Machine

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 7 and FIGS. 25-40, in variousexample embodiments of the present disclosure, a local system 100 mayinclude an exercise machine 102, such as a treadmill, with integrated orconnected digital hardware including one or more displays 104 for use inconnection with an instructor lead exercise class and/or for displayingother digital content. While the exercise machine 102 may be describedand/or otherwise referred to herein as a “treadmill 102,” as notedabove, example exercise machines of the present disclosure may be anysuitable type of exercise machine, including a rowing machine,stationary bicycle, elliptical trainer, stair climber, etc.

In various example embodiments, the one or more displays 104 may bemounted directly to the exercise machine 102 or otherwise placed withinview of a user 106. In various exemplary embodiments, the one or moredisplays 104 allow the user 106 to view content relating to a selectedexercise class both while working out on the exercise machine 102 andwhile working out in one or more locations near or adjacent to theexercise machine 102. The exercise machine 102 may also include a hinge,joint, pivot, bracket or other suitable mechanism to allow foradjustment of the position or orientation of the display 104 relative tothe user 106 whether they are using the exercise machine 102 or workingout near or adjacent to the exercise machine 102.

In example embodiments, the exercise machine 102 may generally include alower assembly 108, and an upper assembly 110 connected to the lowerassembly 108. The lower assembly 108 may generally include a deck 112 ofthe exercise machine 102 that provides support for the user 106 (e.g., arunning surface) while the user 106 is working out on the exercisemachine 102, as well as other components of both the lower assembly 108and the upper assembly 110. For example, as shown in at least theexploded view of FIG. 26, the deck 112 may support a first motor 114 ofthe exercise machine 102 configured to increase, decrease, and/orotherwise change an incline of the deck 112, a frame of the deck 112,and/or the running surface relative to a support surface on which theexercise machine 102 is disposed. The deck 112 may also include one ormore incline frames 116 coupled to the motor 114 and configured to, forexample, raise and lower the deck 112, frame of the deck 112, and/orrunning surface of the deck 112 by acting on the support surface whenthe motor 114 is activated. The deck 112 may also include a second motor118 configured to increase, decrease, and/or otherwise change arotational speed of a belt 120 connected to the deck 112. The belt 120may be rotatable relative to at least part of the deck 112 and, inparticular, may be configured to revolve or otherwise move completelyaround (i.e., encircle) at least part of the deck 112 during use of theexercise machine 120. For example, in embodiments in which the exercisemachine 102 comprises a treadmill, the belt 120 may support the user 106and may repeatedly encircle at least part of a frame of the deck 112 asthe user 106 runs, walks, and/or otherwise works out on the treadmill.Such an example belt 120 may include one or more continuous tracks 122movably coupled to a gear, flywheel, pulley, and/or other member 124 ofthe deck 112, and such a member 124 may be coupled to an output shaft orother component of the motor 118. In such examples, rotation of theoutput shaft or other component of the motor 118 may drive commensuraterotation of the member 124. Likewise, rotation of the member 124 maydrive commensurate revolution of the one or more continuous tracks 122and/or the belt 120 generally.

The belt 120 may also include a plurality of laterally aligned slats 126connected to the one or more continuous tracks 122. For example, asshown in FIGS. 27 and 28, each slat 126 may extend substantiallyparallel to at least one adjacent slat 126. Additionally, each slat 126may be hingedly, pivotally, and/or otherwise movably coupled to the oneor more continuous tracks 122 via one or more respective couplings 140.Such couplings 140 may comprise, for example, a bracket, pin, screw,clip, bolt, and/or one or more other fastening components configured tosecure a respective slat 126 to the continuous track 122 while allowingthe slat 126 to pivot, rotate, and/or otherwise move relative to thetrack 122 while the belt 120 revolves about the deck 112. As shown in atleast FIG. 28, each slat 126 may also include a top pad 142 coupledthereto. The top pad 142 may comprise a plastic, rubber, polymeric,and/or other type of non-slip pad configured to reduce and/orsubstantially eliminate slipping of the user 106 when the user isrunning, walking, and/or otherwise exercising on the exercise machine102. Such a top pad 142 may also reduce the impact associated withwalking and/or running on the exercise machine 102, and may thus improvethe comfort of the user 106 during various exercise classes associatedwith the exercise machine 102.

With continued reference to FIG. 26, the exercise machine 102 may alsoinclude one or more sidewalls 128 connected to the deck 112. Forexample, the exercise machine 102 may include a first sidewall 128 on aleft-hand side of the deck 112, and a second sidewall 128 on theright-hand side of the deck 112. Such sidewalls 128 may be made fromcloth, foam, plastic, rubber, polymers, and/or other like material, andin some examples, the sidewalls 128 may assist in damping and/orotherwise reducing noise generated by one or more of the motors 114, 118and/or other components of the deck 112.

The exercise machine 102 may also include one or more posts 130extending upwardly from the deck 112. For example, the exercise machine102 may include a first post 130 on the left-hand side of the deck 112,and a second post 130 on the right-hand side of the deck 112. Such posts130 may be made from a metal, alloy, plastic, polymer, and/or other likematerial, and similar such materials may be used to manufacture the deck112, the slats 126, and/or other components of the exercise machine 102.In such examples, the posts 130 may be configured to support the display104, and in some examples, the display 104 may be directly coupled to acrossbar 132 of the exercise machine 102, and the crossbar 132 may beconnected to and/or otherwise supported by the posts 130. For example,the crossbar 132 may comprise one or more hand rests or handles usefulin supporting the user 106 during exercise. In some examples, thecrossbar 132 may be substantially C-shaped, substantially U-shaped,and/or any other configuration. In any of the examples described herein,the crossbar 132 may extend from a first one of the posts 130 to asecond one of the posts 130. Further, in some examples, the posts 130and the crossbar 132 may comprise a single integral component of theupper assembly 110. Alternatively, in other examples, the posts 130 andthe crossbar 132 may comprise separate components of the upper assembly110. In such examples, the upper assembly 110 may include one or morebrackets 134, endcaps 136, and/or additional components configured toassist in coupling the one or more posts 130 to the crossbar 132.

As noted above, the exercise machine 102 may also include a hinge,joint, pivot, bracket 138 and/or other suitable mechanism to allow foradjustment of the position or orientation of the display 104 relative tothe user 106 whether they are using the exercise machine 102 or workingout near or adjacent to the exercise machine 102. For example, suchbrackets 138 may include at least one component rigidly connected to thecrossbar 132. Such brackets 138 may also include one or more additionalcomponents rigidly coupled to the display 104. In such examples, thecomponents of the bracket 138 connected to the display 104 may bemoveable, with the display 104 relative to the components of the bracket138 connected to the crossbar 132. Such components may include one ormore dove-tail slider mechanism, channels, and/or other componentsenabling the display 104 to controllably slide and/or otherwise moverelative to the crossbar 132. Such components may also enable to theuser 106 to fix the position of the display 104 relative to the crossbar132 once the user 106 has positioned the display 104 as desired.

As shown in at least FIG. 29, the exercise machine 102 may also includeone or more controls 144, 146 configured to receive input from the user106. The exercise machine 102 may further include one or more sensors147 configured to sense, detect, and/or otherwise determine one or moreperformance parameters of the user 106 before, during, and/or after theuser 106 participates in an exercise class using the exercise machine102. In any of the examples described herein, the controls 144, 146 andthe one or more sensors 147 may be operably and/or otherwise connectedto one or more controllers, processors, and/or other digital hardware148 of the exercise machine 102.

The digital hardware 148 associated with the exercise machine 102 may beconnected to or integrated with the exercise machine 102, or it may belocated remotely and wired or wirelessly connected to the exercisemachine 102. The digital hardware 148 may include digital storage, oneor more processors or other like computers or controllers,communications hardware, software, and/or one or more media input/outputdevices such as displays, cameras, microphones, keyboards, touchscreens,headsets, and/or audio speakers. In various exemplary embodiments thesecomponents may be connected to and/or otherwise integrated with theexercise machine 102. All communications between and among suchcomponents of the digital hardware 148 may be multichannel,multi-directional, and wireless or wired, using any appropriate protocolor technology. In various exemplary embodiments, the digital hardware148 of the exercise machine 102 may include associated mobile andweb-based application programs that provide access to account,performance, and other relevant information to users from local orremote exercise machines, processors, controllers, personal computers,laptops, mobile devices, or any other digital device or digitalhardware. In any of the examples described herein, the one or morecontrollers, processors, and/or other digital hardware 148 associatedwith the exercise machine 102 may be operable to perform one or morefunctions associated with control logic 150 of the exercise machine 102.Such control logic 150 is illustrated schematically in at least FIG. 30,and such control logic 150 may comprise one or more rules, programs, orother instructions stored in a memory of the digital hardware 148. Forexample, one or more processors included in the digital hardware 148 maybe programmed to perform operations in accordance with rules, programs,or other instructions of the control logic 150, and such processors mayalso be programmed to perform one or more additional operations inaccordance with and/or at least partly in response to input received viaone or more of the controls 144, 146 and/or via one or more of thesensors 147.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, one or more such controls 144, 146 maycomprise an infinity wheel-type control 144. Such a control may beuseful in changing and/or otherwise controlling, for example, theincline of the deck 112, the speed of the belt 120, and/or otheroperations of the exercise machine 102 associated with incrementalincreases or decreases. In an example embodiment, such a control 144 mayinclude a rotary dial 152 connected to a corresponding rotary encode154. In such examples, the rotary encoder 154 may include one or moredetents or other components/structures that may be tuned for a desiredincremental change in a corresponding functionality of the exercisemachine 102. For example, the rotary encoder 154 may be tuned such thateach detent thereof may correlate to a 0.5% increase or decrease in anincline angle of the deck 112. Alternatively, the rotary encoder 154 maybe tuned such that each detent thereof may correlate to a 0.1 mphincrease or decrease in a speed of the belt 120. IN still furtherexamples, percentages, speeds, and/or other increments greater than orless than those noted above may be chosen. Additionally, one or moresuch controls 144, 146 may include one or more additional buttons,wheels, touch pads, levers, knobs, or other components configured toreceive additional inputs from the user 106, and such additionalcomponents may provide the user 106 with finer control over thecorresponding functionality of the exercise machine 102. One or moresuch controls 144, 146 may also include a respective control housing 156configured to assist in mounting the control 144, 146 to the crossbar132 or other components of the exercise machine 102.

As shown in FIGS. 33-35, in still further embodiments one or more of theinfinity wheel-type controls 144, 146 described herein may be replacedwith a capacitive slider-type control and/or other substantially linearcontrol 158. Such controls 158 may include one or more touch pads,buttons, levers, and/or other components 160, 162, 166 configured toreceive a touch, tap, push, and/or other input from the user 106. Suchcomponents 160, 162, 166 may be operably connected to respective touchand/or tactile switches of the control 158 mounted to a printed circuitboard 170 thereof. Such tactile switches may be configured to generatesignals indicative of the input received via such components 160, 162,166, and to direct such signals to the processor and/or other digitalhardware 148 associated with the exercise machine 102. The controls 158may also include one or more additional touch pads 164 having asubstantially linear configuration. Such touch pads 164 may also beconfigured to receive a touch, tap, push, and/or other input from theuser 106. Additionally, the touch pads 164 may be operably connected toa respective capacitive trace 172 of the control 158 mounted to theprinted circuit board 170. In such examples, the capacitive trace 172may be configured to generate signals indicative of the input receivedvia the touch pad 164 and to direct such signals to the processor and/orother digital hardware 148 associated with the exercise machine 102.FIG. 34 illustrates a first substantially linear control 158 disposed onthe right-hand side of the crossbar 132, and a second substantiallylinear control 174 disposed on the left-hand side of the crossbar 132opposite the control 158. In any of the examples described herein, oneor more of the components 160, 162, 166 may be operable to controland/or change operating modes of the exercise machine 102. Additionally,in any of the examples described herein, one or more of the infinitywheel-type controls 144, 146 and/or one or more of the substantiallylinear controls 158, 174 may include light emitting diodes and/or otherlighting indicating a change in operation that is affected by therespective control.

With continued reference to at least FIG. 29, in various exemplaryembodiments, the sensors 147 of the exercise machine 102 may beconfigured to sense, detect, measure, and/or otherwise determine a rangeof performance metrics from both the exercise machine 102 and the user106, instantaneously and/or over time. For example, the exercise machine102 may include one or more sensors 147 that measure the incline of thedeck 112, the speed of the belt 120, a load applied to the deck 112, thebelt 120, one or more of the motors 114, 118, and/or other components ofthe exercise machine 102, an amount of energy expended by the user 106,a power output of the exercise machine 102, user weight, steps,distance, total work, repetitions, an amount of resistance applied tothe belt 120 by one or more of the motors 114, 118 and/or othercomponents of the exercise machine 102, as well as any other suitableperformance metric associated with, for example, a treadmill. Theexercise machine 102 may also include sensors 147 to measure userheart-rate, respiration, hydration, calorie burn, or any other physicalperformance metrics, or to receive such data from sensors provided bythe user 106. Where appropriate, such performance metrics can becalculated as current/instantaneous values, maximum, minimum, average,or total over time, or using any other statistical analysis. Trends canalso be determined, stored, and displayed to the user, the instructor,and/or other users. Such sensors 147 may communicate with memory and/orprocessors of the digital hardware 148 associated with the exercisemachine 102, nearby, or at a remote location, using wired or wirelessconnections.

In various exemplary embodiments, the exercise machine 102 may also beprovided with one or more indicators to provide information to the user106. Such indicators may include lights, projected displays, speakersfor audio outputs, or other output devices capable of providing a signalto a user 106 to provide the user 106 with information such as timingfor performing an exercise, time to start or stop exercise, or otherinformational indicators. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, suchindicators (e.g., lights or projected displays) could displayinformation regarding the number of sets and repetitions performed bythe user 106 at a location where it can be seen by the user 106 duringthe performance of the relevant exercise.

FIG. 36 illustrates various components of the example deck 112 describedabove with respect to at least FIG. 26 in further detail. As shown inFIG. 36, an example deck 112 of the present disclosure may include aframe 500 configured to support components of the deck 112, the lowerassembly 108, and/or the upper assembly 110. In such examples, the frame500 of the deck 112 may comprise a substantially rigid support structuremade from steel, aluminum, cast iron, and/or any other metal or alloy.Further, the frame 500 may include one or more components connectedtogether, such as by one or more bolts, screws, weldments, solderjoints, and/or other means. For example, the frame 500 may include afirst leg 502 a, and a second leg 502 b disposed opposite the first leg502 a. The first and second legs 502 a, 502 b may comprise substantiallyrigid structures configured to support the weight of the upper assembly110 and the lower assembly 108. The first and second legs 502 a, 502 bmay also be configured to support the weight of one or more users 106standing, walking, and/or running on a substantially planar runningsurface 527 of the deck 112. In some examples, the first leg 502 a mayinclude a top surface 504 a, and the second leg 502 b may include asimilar top surface 504 b. In some examples, the top surfaces 504 a, 504b may include a tread pattern, a roughened surface, and/or othercomponents configured to improve the traction, balance, and/or stabilityof a user 106 standing on the top surfaces 504 a, 504 b. In someexamples, the top surfaces 504 a, 504 b may include one or more non-sliptraction pads and/or other components adhered thereto in order to assistin improving the stability of the user 106.

The deck 112 may also include at least one sidewall. For example, thefirst leg 502 a may include a sidewall 506 a extending substantiallyperpendicularly from the top surface 504 a, and the second leg 502 b mayalso include a sidewall 506 b extending substantially perpendicularlyfrom the top surface 504 b. In such examples, the sidewall 506 a may bedisposed opposite and/or substantially parallel to the sidewall 506 b.In such examples, one of the sidewalls 128 (e.g., a first sidewall 128)described above with respect to FIG. 26 may be connected to the firstleg 502 a opposite the sidewall 506 a, and an additional sidewall 128(e.g., a second sidewall 128) may be connected to the second leg 502 bopposite the sidewall 506 b. In such examples, a gap 508 a may be formedbetween the first sidewall 128 and the sidewall 506 a, and asubstantially similar gap 508 b may be formed between the secondsidewall 128 and the sidewall 506 b. In such examples, one or both ofthe gaps 508 a, 508 b may be utilized to store exercise equipment,clothing, and/or other items that may be utilized by a user 106 duringuse of the treadmill 102. Additionally and/or alternatively, one or bothof the gaps 508 a, 508 b may assist in damping and/or otherwise reducingsound emitted by one or both of the motors 114, 118 during use of thetreadmill 102, sound resulting from movement of the belt 120, soundresulting from the user 106 running on the treadmill 102, and/or fromother sources associated with the deck 112. The sidewalls 128 and/or thecorresponding gaps 508 a, 508 b may also assist in damping and/orotherwise reducing vibration caused by one or more of the above sourcesor conditions. In such examples, one or both of the sidewall 128 may bemade from fabric, foam, cloth, plastic, rubber, polymers, and/or othermaterial configured to assist in damping and/or otherwise reducing noiseand/or vibration generated by one or both of the motors 114, 118 and/orother components of the deck 112. In such examples, one or both of thesidewalls 128 may be removably attached to a respective sidewall 506 a,506 b of the deck 112 to enable the user 106 to access the gaps 508 a,508 b. Additionally or alternatively, one or both of the sidewalls 128may include one or more zippers, Velcro® patches, flaps, and/or otherreleasably attachable components enabling the user 106 to access thegaps 508 a, 508 b. Moreover, in some examples one or both of the legs502 a, 502 b may include front and/or rear endcaps. For example, the leg502 a may include a front endcap disposed at a front end of the sidewall506 a, and extending from the top surface 504 a to a bottom surface ofthe leg 502 a opposite the top surface 504 a. The leg 502 a may alsoinclude a rear endcap disposed at a rear end of the sidewall 506 a, andextending from the top surface 504 a to the bottom surface of the leg502 a opposite the top surface 504 a. In such examples, one or both ofthe front and rear endcaps of the leg 502 a may be removably attached tothe top surface 504 a, sidewall 506 a, and/or other portions of the leg502 a. In such examples, the leg 502 b may include one or more endcapsthat are substantially similar to and/or the same as those describedabove with respect to the leg 502 a. In any of the examples describedherein, one or more such endcaps and/or at least part of one or both ofthe top surfaces 504 a, 504 b may include a groove, channel,indentation, opening, or other feature enabling a user 106 to access atleast part of one or more of the slats 530 (e.g., a side surface of oneor more of the slats 530) to, among other things, manually move the belt120.

In any of the examples described herein, at least one of the motors 114,118 may be mounted on, supported by, fixedly attached to, and/orotherwise connected to a component of the frame 500. For example, theframe 500 may also include one or more crossbars 510. In an exampleembodiment, at least one of the crossbars 510 of the frame 500 mayextend from the sidewall 506 a to the sidewall 506 b. In still furtherexamples, each of the crossbars 510 may extend from the sidewall 506 ato the sidewall 506 b. Crossbars 510 described herein may be formed fromany of the materials described above with respect to the frame 500.Further, one or more of the crossbars 510 may be connected to, forexample, at least one of the sidewalls 506 a, 506 b via one or morebolts, screws, weldments, solder joints, and/or other means. In suchexamples, at least one of the motors 114, 118 may be connected to acrossbar 510 of the frame 500. In further examples, the motor 114 may beconnected to a first crossbar 510 of the frame 500, and the motor 118may be connected to a second crossbar 510 of the frame 500 separate fromthe first crossbar. In still further examples, both of the motors 114,118 may be connected to a single crossbar 510 of the frame 500. Inadditional examples, at least one of the motors 114, 118 may beconnected to at least one of the sidewalls 506 a, 506 b and/or othercomponents of the frame 500.

Additionally, the frame 500 may include one or more feet 512 configuredto contact a support surface 513 on which the deck 512 is disposed,and/or otherwise supported. In such examples, the feet 512 may beadjustable relative to, for example, the leg 502 a, 502 b to which thefeet 512 are connected to assist in leveling the deck 112 for use on thesupport surface 513. For instance, in some examples the support surface513 may comprise a relatively uneven floor, base, and/or other structurewithin an exercise facility. In such examples, the feet 512 may beadjusted in order to assist in raising and/or lowering at least part ofthe deck 112 relative to the support surface 513. As noted above, themotor 114 may be configured to modify an incline, decline, and/or otherposition of the deck 112 relative to the support surface 513 on whichthe deck 112 is supported. For example, the motor 114 may be configuredto raise, lower, and/or otherwise modify a position of the deck 112, theframe 500, the running surface 527, and/or other components of thetreadmill 102 prior to and/or during use.

In any of the examples described herein, the deck 112 may include one ormore linkages 514 connected to the motor 114 (e.g., connected to anoutput shaft of the motor 114), and such linkages may be configured toassist in modifying the position of the deck 112 relative to the supportsurface 513. Such a linkage 514 may comprise, for example, one or moreshafts, beams, rods, and/or other structures configured to transfermovement, force, torque, rotation, and/or other output from the motor114 to one or more other components of the deck 112. For example, thedeck 112 may also include an incline frame 526 connected to the linkage514. Such an incline frame 526 may be substantially similar to and/orthe same as the incline frame 116 described above. In some examples, theincline frame 526 may include one or more components connected to thelinkage 514 and configured to transfer movement, force, torque,rotation, and/or other output from the linkage 514 to the frame 500and/or the support surface 513 to assist in modifying the position ofthe deck 500 relative to the support surface 513. For example, theincline frame 526 may include an arm 516 connected to the linkage 514.The arm 516 may comprise, for example, one or more shafts, beams, rods,and/or other structures, and in some examples, the arm 516 may have aconfiguration that is substantially similar to and/or that is the sameas a configuration of the linkage 514.

The incline frame 526 may also include a first leg 518 a connected tothe arm 516, a second leg 518 b connected to the arm 516 opposite theleg 518 a, and an additional arm 520 disposed opposite the arm 516. Insuch embodiments, the first leg 518 a, second leg 518 b, and/or theadditional arm 520 may comprise, for example, one or more shafts, beams,rods, and/or other structures, and in some examples, the first leg 518a, second leg 518 b, and/or the additional arm 520 may have aconfiguration that is substantially similar to and/or that is the sameas a configuration of the linkage 514.

In any of the examples described herein, at least part of the first leg518 a, the second leg 518 b, and/or the arm 520 may be configured tocontact, and/or act on the support surface 513 in order to modify theposition of the deck 112 (e.g., raise, lower, etc.) relative to thesupport surface 513. For example, at least part of the arm 516 mayextend between the sidewalls 506 a, 506 b, and first and second ends ofthe arm 516 may extend into the gap 508 a and/or into the gap 508 b,respectively. In such examples, the leg 518 a may contact and/or connectwith the first end of the arm 516 in the gap 508 a, and the leg 518 bmay contact and/or connect with the second end of the arm 516 in the gap508 b. One or both of the sidewalls 506 a, 506 b may include respectivethru holes 521 permitting the first and second ends of the arm 516 topass into the gaps 508 a, 508 b, respectively. In such examples, the arm516 may slidably engage the sidewalls 506 a, 506 b, and in particular,may slidably engage camming surfaces and/or other portions of the thruholes 521 to facilitate raising or lowering the deck 112 relative to thesupport surface 513. In such examples, the legs 518 a, 518 b may bepivotally connected to the respective sidewalls 506 a, 506 b, or maycontact a pin or other component of the sidewalls 506 a, 506 b to assistin changing the position of the deck 112 relative to the support surface513. In such examples, at least part of the arm 520 may be disposedbetween, for example, the deck 112 and the support surface 513. Forexample, at least part of the arm 520 may be disposed beneath the firstand second legs 502 a, 502 b during use of the treadmill 102. Further,in some examples one or both of the legs 518 a, 518 b may include wheelsdisposed at an end thereof. Such wheels may be, for example, disposedproximate the arm 520, and may be configured to contact the supportsurface 513 to further assist in changing the position of the deck 112relative to the support surface 513.

As shown in FIG. 36, the motor 118 may engage, mate with, mesh with,contact, and/or otherwise connect to at least one gear or other memberof the deck 112 configured to drive rotation of the belt 120. Forexample, the deck 112 may include a first gear 522 a, and a second gear522 b disposed opposite the first gear 522 a. In such examples, thefirst and second gears 522 a, 522 b may be substantially similar toand/or the same as the member 124 described above. In such examples, thefirst and second gears 522 a, 522 b may be connected to at least oneshaft 524 extending from the first gear 522 a to the second gear 522 b.In such examples, the shaft 524 may comprise, for example, one or morebeams, rods, and/or other structures, and in some examples, the shaft524 may have a configuration that is substantially similar to and/orthat is the same as a configuration of the linkage 514. In suchexamples, the motor 118 may drive rotation of at least one of the firstand second gears 522 a, 522 b, and such rotation may cause commensuraterotation of the belt 120.

For example, the deck 112 may include a continuous track 528, and aplurality of slats 530 connected to the track 128. In such examples, thetrack 528 may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the track122 described above, and the slats 530 may be substantially similar toand/or the same as the slats 126 described above. It is understood that,together, the track 528 and the slats 530 may form at least part of thesubstantially planar running surface 527 of the deck 112. In suchexamples, the track 528 may be mated with and/or may otherwise engage atleast one of the gears 522 a, 522 b such that rotation of at least oneof the gears 522 a, 522 b may drive rotation of the belt 120 during useof the treadmill 102. In some examples, the deck 112 may include asingle track 528 mated and/or otherwise engaged with the gear 522 a. Inother examples, on the other hand, the deck 112 may include the track528 (e.g., a first track 528) and an additional continuous track (e.g.,a second track) (not shown) disposed opposite and substantially parallelto the first track 528 shown in FIG. 36. In such examples, the pluralityof slats 530 may be connected to first track 528 and to the second track(not shown). Further, in any of the examples described herein, the motor118 may include a brake configured to physically contact the first track528 and/or the second track described above. In such examples, the brakemay apply resistance and/or any other braking force to the first track528 and/or the second track. Such a braking force may slow rotation ofthe belt 120 and/or may completely stop rotation of the belt 120 (e.g.,lock the belt 120). In such examples, the brake may be controlled toapply such braking force gradually (e.g., to slow rotation of the belt120 and/or to provide resistance as the user 106 is running on the belt120) and/or may be controlled to completely stop rotation of the belt120 via one or more controls of the treadmill 100 described herein.

In any of the examples described herein, the plurality of slats 530 andat least one of the tracks 528 may at least partly define an inner space531 of the deck 112. For example, in embodiments in which the deck 112includes a single track 528, the track 528 and the plurality of slats530 may at least partly define the inner space 531. Additionally, inembodiments in which the deck 112 includes a first track 528 and asecond track (not shown), the first and second tracks and the pluralityof slats 530 may at least partly define the inner space 531. The innerspace 531 of the deck 112 may extend an entire width W of the belt 120(e.g., a width W substantially equal to a width of at least one slat530).

In some examples, the inner space 531 may extend from the sidewall 506 ato the sidewall 506 b. In such examples, one or both of the sidewalls506 a, 506 b may form at least part of the inner space 531. Further, inany of the examples described herein, one or more components of the deck112, such as the motor 114, the motor 118, the gear 522 a, the gear 522b, the gear 522 c, the gear 522 d, the shafts 524 a, 524 b, thecrossbars 510, the linkage 514, and/or at least part of the arm 516 maybe at least partly disposed within the inner space 531. For example, itis understood that at least part of the arm 516 may be disposed withinthe inner space 531, and that the ends of the arm 516 may extendexternal to the inner space 531 (e.g., external to the sidewalls 506 a,506 b) in order to connect with the respective legs 518 a, 518 bexternal to the inner space 531. It is also understood that the belt120, and in particular, the one or more continuous tracks 528 and theplurality of slats 530 of the deck 112, may be rotatable about the innerspace 531 during use of the treadmill 102. In some examples, one or morecontrollers, processors, control circuits, cabling, drivers, amplifiers,filters, sensors, and/or other digital hardware components may beconnected to one or both of the motors 114, 118, and any such componentsmay be at least partly disposed within the inner space 531 of the deck112. Further, in such examples, one or more such components may beoperably connected (e.g., wirelessly connected, connected via wiresand/or cabling, hard-mounted, etc.) to the digital hardware 148described herein. Moreover, one or more such components (e.g., one ormore cables, wires, or other components) may extend from the inner space531 to the display 104, controls 144, 146, 158, 174, sensor 147, digitalhardware 148, and/or other components of the exercise machine 102. Insome examples, the sidewall 506 a and/or the sidewall 506 b may includea removable panel, door, and/or other component configured to allowaccess to the inner space 531 from a location external to the innerspace 531. For example, one or both of the sidewalls 128 may beremovably attached to the respective sidewalls 506 a, 506 b to enable atechnician to access the removable component of a respective sidewall506 a, 506 b. Alternatively, at least part of one or both of thesidewalls 506 a, 506 b may be removable, openable, or otherwiseconfigured to enable a technician to access the removable component of arespective sidewall 506 a, 506 b. In this way a technician may gainaccess to one or more of the controllers, processors, control circuits,cabling, drivers, amplifiers, filters, sensors, and/or other digitalhardware components disposed at least partly within the inner space 531.

As noted above, the one or more continuous tracks 528 illustrated inFIG. 36 may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the track 122described above, and the plurality of slats 530 illustrated in FIG. 36may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the plurality ofslats 126 described above. In any such examples, the one or morecontinuous tracks 528, together with the plurality of slats 530, mayform the substantially continuous, substantially planar running surface527. Further, as noted with respect to at least FIG. 27, in someexamples, the deck 112 may include a plurality of clips and/or othercouplings 140 configured to connect each respective slat to the track.However, in further examples such clips and/or other couplings 140 maybe omitted. For example, as shown in FIG. 37 each slat 530 may bedirectly connected to the one or more tracks 528 of the deck 112 via oneor more bolts, screws, pins, and/or other connectors 532 a, 532 b. Insuch examples, and/or in further examples, one or more of the slats 530may be removably attached to one or more of the tracks 528. In stillfurther examples, each slat 530 may be directly connected to the one ormore tracks 528 of the belt 112 via one or more weldments, solderjoints, and/or other means.

FIG. 38 illustrates portions of an example slat 530 of the presentdisclosure in further detail. As shown in FIG. 38, one or more of theslats 530 may include a substantially rigid base 534 and a polymericcover 560 connected to the base 534. In such examples, the base 534 maybe made from aluminum, steel, an alloy, and/or any other substantiallyrigid material. Additionally, the cover 560 may be made from anyplastic, rubber, polymers, foam, and/or any other material configured toassist in forming at least part of the running surface 527 of the deck112. As can be seen in FIG. 38, the cover 560 may have a top surface562, and a bottom surface 564 opposite the top surface 562. In suchexamples, at least part of the cover 560 (e.g., at least part of the topsurface 562) may include one or more beads, indentations, protuberances,non-slip traction pads, and/or other tread patterns configured to assistin increasing the stability, balance, and/or traction of a user 106during use of the treadmill 102. In some examples, the top surface 562may be similar to and/or the same as the top surfaces 504 a, 504 bdescribed above with respect to FIG. 36. It is understood that the cover560 may be adhered, screwed, press-fit, and/or otherwise connected tothe top surface 536 and/or other portions of the base 534. In someexamples, the cover 560 may be overmolded onto the base 534 through anyknown extrusion, thermoforming, and/or molding process. Additionally,the one or more beads, indentations, protuberances, and/or other treadpatterns described above respect to the top surface 562 may be formedthrough such a process.

As shown in FIG. 38, the base 534 may be substantially rectangular,substantially square, and/or any other shape. In some examples, a firstportion of the base 534 may be substantially rectangular, and the base534 may further include one or more extensions at a first end 570 of theslat 530 and/or at a second end 572 of the slat 530 opposite the firstend 570. For example, as shown in FIG. 38 the base 534 may include alongitudinal axis 541 extending substantially centrally through the base534 and/or through the top surface 536, and the base 534 may include oneor more extensions and/or other portions extending substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis 541. In some examples, suchextensions, and/or other portions of the base 534 may extendsubstantially along the longitudinal axis 541. For example, a firstextension of the base 534 disposed at the first end 570 of the slat 530may include one or more thru holes 574 a, 574 b configured to acceptrespective connectors 532 a, 532 b. Similarly, a second extension of thebase 534 disposed at the second end 572 of the slat 530 may include oneor more thru holes 574 a, 574 b configured to accept respectiveconnectors 532 a, 532 b. In any of the examples described herein, thefirst end 570 of the slat 530 and/or the second end 572 may be formed,at least in part, by the cover 560, and/or by the base 534.Additionally, as will be described in greater detail below, the base 534(e.g., the top surface 536 of the base 534) may include one or more ribs540 extending substantially parallel to and/or substantially along thelongitudinal axis 541.

In some examples, each slat 530 may include a leading edge orientedtowards and/or otherwise facing a front portion of the treadmill 102,and a trailing edge oriented towards and/or otherwise facing a rearportion of the treadmill 102. In such examples, the leading edge of aparticular slat 530 may be disposed opposite the trailing edge of such aslat 530. Additionally, such leading, and/or trailing edges may beformed, at least in part, by the base 534 and/or the cover 560. Forexample, the polymeric cover 560 may form at least part of a leadingedge 566 of the slat 530. The cover 560 may also form at least part of atrailing edge 568 of the slat 530 disposed opposite the leading edge566. In such examples, the leading edge 566 and/or the trailing edge 568may be angled, beveled, rounded, curved, and/or otherwise shaped toassist in mating with an adjacent slat 530 as the belt 120 rotates aboutthe inner space 531 during use of the treadmill 102. The leading edge566 and/or the trailing edge 568 may also be configured so as tominimize interference with the user 106 as the user 106 walks, and/orruns on the running surface 527. For example, the top surface 562,leading edge 566, trailing edge 568, and/or other portions of the slat530 may be configured to form the substantially planar running surface527 described above so as to minimize the likelihood of the user 106tripping on one of the slats 530 during use of the treadmill 102.

In some examples, the top surface 562 of a cover 560 of one or more ofthe slats 530 may include a groove, channel, indentation, and/or visiblemarking extending substantially centrally therethrough and orientedsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 541. Such anexample groove can be seen in FIG. 38. In some examples, the groove maybe disposed substantially centrally between the first end 570 and thesecond end 572, and the groove may extend from proximate the leadingedge 566 to proximate the trailing edge 568. In such examples, thegroove may provide visual indicia of, for example, a centrallongitudinal axis of the running surface 527 to the user 106 as the user106 is walking or running on the belt 120. In such examples, one or moresuch grooves may, thus, assist the user 106 in remaining at asubstantially central longitudinal location on the belt 120 and mayfurther assist in increasing the stability and/or balance of the user106 during use of the treadmill 102. Additionally, in any of theexamples described herein the top surface 536 of the base 534 mayinclude one or more teeth, snaps, clips, hooks, grooves, channels, orother structures to assist in connecting (e.g., overmolding) the cover560 to the base 534.

FIG. 39 provides an isometric view of the slat 530, and illustrates, forexample, the bottom surface 538 of the base 534 in greater detail. Ascan be seen from FIG. 39, the base 534 may also include one or morespines 550 extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottomsurface 538. An example spine 550 may comprise a substantially rigidextension of the base 534, and the spine 550 may have any shape, size,composition, and/or other configuration so as to add rigidity to thebase 534. For example, the spine 550 may be made from any of the metals,alloys, and/or other materials described above with respect to the base534. In such examples, the spine 550 may be welded, soldered, bolted,screwed, and/or otherwise connected to the base 534 in any known mannerso as to add strength, stiffness, and/or rigidity to the base 534.

Alternatively, the slat 530 may have a one-piece construction and thespine 550 may extend downwardly from the bottom surface 538. The spine550 may have a substantially square, substantially rectangular,substantially triangular, substantially circular, substantiallysemicircular, and/or any other cross-sectional shape. Any such shapesmay assist in increasing the strength, stiffness, and/or rigidity of thebase 534. In some examples, the spine 550 may extend longitudinallyalong the bottom surface 538 from, for example, the first end 570 of theslat 530 to the second end 572 of the slat 530. In other examples, onthe other hand, the spine 550 may extend from a first location proximatethe first end 570 to a second location proximate the second 572 end.Further, as shown in FIG. 39 in some examples a first and/or second endof the spine 550 may be angled, beveled, curved, and/or otherwiseconfigured relative to the substantially planar bottom surface 538 ofthe base 534. In other examples, on the other hand, the first and/orsecond end of the spine 550 may extend substantially perpendicular tothe bottom surface 538. In any of the examples described herein, thespine 550 may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 541(FIG. 38) of the base 534. Although not shown in FIG. 39, it isunderstood that the rib 540 described above may be disposed on the topsurface 536 of the slat 530 opposite the spine 550.

In some examples, a rib 540 of the base 534 may include variousdifferent shapes, sizes, and/or other configurations to further increasethe structural rigidity of the base 534 and/or to assist in coupling thecover 560 to the base 534. FIG. 40 illustrates a cross-sectional view ofan example base 534. As shown in FIG. 40, an example rib 540 may includeopposing sidewalls 542 a, 542 b extending substantially perpendicularlyfrom the top surface 536. In such examples, the sidewalls 542 a, 542 bmay mate with the top surface 536 to form respective substantiallyrounded, substantially concave, and/or substantially tapered cornerstherewith. In such examples, the rib 540 may also include a top surface544 extending substantially perpendicularly from the sidewalls 542 a,542 b. In such examples, the top surface 544 may extend substantiallyparallel to the top surface 536. Additionally, in such examples the topsurface 544 may mate with the sidewalls 542 a, 542 b to form respectivesubstantially rounded, substantially convex, and/or substantiallytapered corners therewith. In some examples, the top surface 544 maycomprise a substantially planar top surface of the base 534 extendingfrom the sidewall 542 a to the sidewall 542 b.

In additional alternative examples, the rib 540 may further include araised section 546 formed, at least in part, by one or more additionalsidewalls extending substantially perpendicularly from the top surface544. For example, as shown in FIG. 40 the raised section 546 may beformed by a pair of opposing sidewalls extending from the top surface544 to a substantially planar top surface 548 of the raised section 546.In such examples, the additional sidewalls of the raised section 546 mayextend substantially parallel to each other, and such additionalsidewalls of the raised section 546 may extend substantiallyperpendicularly from the top surface 544. Additionally, the top surface548 of the raised section 546 may extend substantially parallel to thetop surface 544 of the rib 540, and/or substantially parallel to the topsurface 536 of the base 534.

Further, as shown in FIG. 40 the base 534 may include a transverse axis543 extending substantially centrally therethrough. In such examples,the transverse axis 543 may extend substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 541 (FIG. 38) of the base 534, and the base 534 may besubstantially symmetrical about the transverse axis 543. For example,the transverse axis 543 may extend (e.g., vertically) substantiallycentrally through the raised section 546, the rib 540, and/or the spine550. In such examples, one or more of the sidewalls 552 a, 552 b, 542 a,542 b, and/or the sidewalls of the raised section 546 may extendsubstantially parallel to the transverse axis 543. Likewise, one or moreof the top surfaces 536, 544, 548, and/or a bottom surface 554 of thespine 550 may extend substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis543.

Display and User Interface

The one or more displays 104 may be driven by a user input device suchas a touchscreen, mouse, voice control, or other suitable input device.In some examples, the display 104 or at least a portion thereof, maycomprise a touchscreen configured to receive touch input from the user104. The one or more displays 104 may be any size, but optimally arelarge enough and oriented to allow the display of a range of informationincluding one or more video streams, a range of performance metricscorresponding to the user 106, a range of additional performance metricsassociated with one or more additional users exercising on exercisemachines remote from the exercise machine 102, and a range of differentcontrols. In various exemplary embodiments, such as the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4, the display 104 may include some or all of itsarea that can reflect the image of the user 106 to provide user feedbackregarding their form and performance of various activities.

In various exemplary embodiments the user can use the display 104 or oneor more user interfaces 200 displayed on the display 104 to selectivelypresent a range of different information including live and/or archivedvideo, performance data, and other user and system information. As willbe described below with respect to at least FIGS. 12-24, such userinterfaces 200 can provide a wide range of control and informationalwindows that can be accessed and removed individually and/or as a groupby a click, touch, voice command, or gesture. In various exemplaryembodiments, such windows may provide information about the user's ownperformance and/or the performance of other participants in the sameclass both past and present.

Example user interfaces 200 presented via the display 104 may be used toaccess member information, login and logout of the system 100, accesslive content such as live exercise classes and archived classes or othercontent. User information may be displayed in a variety of formats andmay include historical and current performance and account information,social networking links and information, achievements, etc. The userinterfaces described herein 200 can also be used to access the system100 to update profile or member information, manage account settingssuch as information sharing, and control device settings.

An example user interface 200 may also be presented on the one or moredisplays 104 to allow users to manage their experience, includingselecting information to be displayed and arranging how such informationis displayed on the display 104. Such a user interface 200 may presentmultiple types of information overlaid such that different types ofinformation can be selected or deselected easily by the user 106. Forexample, performance metrics and/or other information may be displayedover video content using translucent or partially transparent elementsso the video behind the information elements can be seen together with(i.e., simultaneously with) the performance metrics and/or otherinformation itself. Further, example user interfaces 200 may present avariety of screens to the user 106 which the user 106 can move amongquickly using the provided user input device, including by touching if atouchscreen is used.

In any of the examples described herein, the processor and/or othercomponents of the digital hardware 148 may control the display 104and/or otherwise cause the display 104 to display the various userinterfaces 200 of the present disclosure. For example, the processor orother components of the digital hardware 148 may cause the display 104to display a user interface 200 comprising a home screen that providesbasic information about the system 100 and/or the exercise machine 102,as well as available options. Such a home screen may provide directlinks to information such as scheduled classes, archived classes, aleaderboard, instructors, and/or profile and account information. Thehome screen may also provide direct links to content such as a link tojoin a particular class. The user can navigate among the differentportions of the home screen by selecting such links using the applicableinput device such as by touching the touchscreen at the indicatedlocation, or by swiping to bring on a new screen. An example userinterface 200 providing such a home screen may also provide otherinformation relevant to the user such as social network information, andnavigation buttons that allow the user to move quickly among thedifferent screens in the user interface.

In various exemplary embodiments, the user 106 can use one or more ofthe user interfaces 200 to browse and select among both live andarchived content. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12-14, example userinterfaces 200 may include one or more toolbars 202 enabling the user106 to access listings and/or other information regarding availableexercise classes. Such example toolbars 200 may include respective tabsor other controls enabling the user 106 to browse such content. Forexample, the toolbar 200 may include a first tab 204 enabling the userto access featured live and archived exercise classes, a second tab 206enabling the user to access a library of archived exercise classes, athird tab 208 enabling the user to access a schedule of live classes, afourth tab 210 enabling the user to access a variety of quick start or“just run” content, and/or other additional or different tabs.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, if the user 106 selects the first tab 204associated with featured classes, the user interface 200 may present aschedule of upcoming live or archived classes that have achieved a highranking or other preferential (e.g., “featured”) status. The userinterface 200 may include one or more drop-down menus or other displayfeatures, and such features may also allow users to find such featuredclasses by type, instructor, or by any other appropriate category. Theuser interfaces 200 associated with the featured classes tab 204 mayallow the user 106 to select future classes (as illustrated bythumbnails or icons 212, 214) or to start a class that is underway orabout to begin (as illustrated by thumbnails or icons 216, 218, 220).Further, the user interfaces 200 associated with the featured classestab 204 may allow the user 106 to select an archived or on-demand classthat has already taken place (as illustrated by thumbnails or icons221). The class schedule and information regarding “featured” content orany other content may be presented via such user interfaces 200 in anysuitable format, including a calendar, list, or any other appropriatelayout. For example, selecting the third tab 208 associated with thelive schedule of exercise classes may yield a user interface 200presenting an upcoming schedule of live classes set forth on a calendar.

As illustrated by the example user interface 200 shown in FIG. 14, ifthe user 106 selects the second tab 206 associated with the classlibrary, the system 100 may provide a user interface 200 showinginformation related to available archived classes, and such informationmay be sorted in a number of different ways. As illustrated by the menuicon 222, the user interface 200 may filter the classes included in theclass library such that only icons or thumbnails 225 corresponding toclasses associated with running, boot camp, and off-tread are providedto the user 106. Additionally, such user interfaces 200 may include oneor more drop down menus 224 enabling the user 106 to further filter theclasses included in the class library. For example, such drop down menus224 may enable the user 106 to select classes based on instructor,length, class type, music genre, body focus, exercise type, etc.Additionally, as shown in FIG. 14, the icons or thumbnails 225 may bedisplayed in any suitable format, and may include information includingthe instructor of the class, the class length, the date on which theclass was originally held, the type of class, and/or other relatedinformation. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, selecting one of thethumbnails 225 may surface additional information to the user 106 via anadditional window 226 of the user interface 200. Such additionalinformation may include, for example, a rating of the class, how manytimes the user has taken that class in the past, the portions of thebody that are focused on during the class, additional equipment (e.g.,weights) that may be needed during the class, as well as otherperformance or class-related information.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate example user interfaces 200 that may be providedto the user 106 during a selected exercise class. When an exercise classis being played on the one or more displays 104 through the userinterface 200, in various exemplary embodiments the primary video feedmay be shown as the background video full-screen or in a sub-window onthe display 104. Information elements may be provided on different partsof the display screen to indicate any performance metrics, includingtotal time, elapsed time, time left, distance, speed, mile pace of theuser 106, incline, elevation, resistance, power, total work, energyexpended (e.g., output), cadence, heart rate, respiration, hydration,calorie burn, and/or any custom performance scores that may bedeveloped. The displayed information may also include the trend orrelationship between different performance metrics. For example, thedisplay can indicate a particular metric in a color that indicatescurrent performance compared to average performance for a class or overtime, such as red to indicate that current performance is below averageor green to indicate above average performance. Trends or relativeperformance can also be shown using color and graphics, such as a reddown arrow to show that current performance is below average.

In various exemplary embodiments, the display 104 may also displayinformation that supports or supplements the information provided by theinstructor. Examples include one or more segmented timelines 228 thatare illustrated together with at least part of the selected exerciseclass in the user interface 200. As shown in FIGS. 16-18, an examplesegmented timeline 228 may include one or more segments 230 a, 230 b,230 c . . . 230 n (collectively, “segments 230”) corresponding torespective portions or parts of the selected exercise class. The size,length, width, height, relative position, color, opacity, and/or otherconfigurations of such segments 230 may be representative of, forexample, the length of the corresponding portions or parts of theselected exercise class. The segmented timeline 228 may also provide anindication 232 of elapsed time and/or remaining time for the presentworkout segment and/or for the exercise class generally. The segmentedtimeline 228 may also include one or more visual indica 234 a, 234 b,234 c . . . 234 n (collectively, “indicia 234”) indicating an activityand/or equipment required during a respective portion or part of theselected exercise class. For example, the indicia 234 a may indicatethat the segment 230 a comprises a walking segment, indicia 234 d mayindicate that the segment 230 c comprises a running segment, and theindicia 234 b may indicate that weights are required for at least partof the segment 230 a. In any of the examples described herein, suchtimelines 228 may also include one or more lists or windows identifyingand/or describing upcoming workout segments or features, instructionalinformation such as graphics or videos demonstrating how to properlyperform exercises, or other information relevant to the exercise classin progress.

As shown in FIGS. 16-18, the user interface 200 may include a primarywindow 236 configured to show the live or archived exercise class orother content that the user 106 selected. In various exemplaryembodiments, the user interface 200 may further include one or moreperformance metric windows 238 (e.g., the “scorecard” illustrated inFIGS. 16 and 17) overlaid on and/or otherwise displayed together withthe primary window 236. Such performance metric windows 238 may show aranking, total output, current output, incline, belt speed, mile pace,and/or other specific performance metrics for the user's current class,past classes, or other performance information. Such performance metricwindows 238 may be presented anywhere on the display 104, and may beuser selectable such that they can be displayed or removed by a screentouch or gesture.

The user interface 200 may also allow the user 106 to toggle betweendisplay of maximum, average, and total results for different performancemetrics. Additionally, the user interface 200 may allow the user 106 tohide or display information elements, including performance metrics,video streams, user information, etc. all at once or individually.Performance metrics and/or other performance information can also bedisplayed in various display bars 240, 242 that can be hidden ordisplayed as a group or individually. The user interface 200 may providefor complete controls for audio volume, inputs, and outputs as well asdisplay output characteristics.

As shown in FIG. 18, a leaderboard 244 may also be displayed to allowthe user 106 to see their performance in comparison to others taking thesame exercise class. In various exemplary embodiments, a leaderboard 244may comprise a separate window overlaid on and/or otherwise displayedtogether with the primary window 236. An example leaderboard 244 may beconfigured to display the relative performance of all participants,and/or of one or more subgroups of participants. For example, the user106 may be able to select a leaderboard 244 that shows the performanceof participants in a particular age group, male participants, femaleparticipants, male participants in a particular age group, participantsin a particular geographic area, etc. As indicated by the example filtershown in FIG. 18, the leaderboard 244 has been configured to show theperformance of a group of female participants in their 20's. Users 106may have the ability to individually curate and/or otherwise configure aleaderboard 244, or have the system 100 curate a leaderboard 244 byselecting an appropriate group of participants relative to the user 106.Users 106 may be able to curate their own leaderboards 244 for specificpreviously recorded classes to create a leaderboard 244 that providesthe maximum personal performance incentive to the user 106.

Users 106 may be provided with the ability to deselect the leaderboard244 entirely and remove it from the user interface 200. In variousexemplary embodiments, the exercise machine 102 may incorporate varioussocial networking aspects such as allowing the user 106 to follow otherparticipants, or to create groups or circles of participants. User listsand information may be accessed, sorted, filtered, and used in a widerange of different ways. For example, other users can be sorted, groupedand/or classified based on any characteristic including personalinformation such as age, gender, weight, or based on performance such ascurrent power output, speed, or a custom score.

The leaderboard 244 may be fully interactive, allowing the user 106 toscroll up and down through the participant rankings, and to select aparticipant to access their detailed performance data, create aconnection such as choosing to follow that participant, or establishdirect communication such as through an audio and/or video connection.The leaderboard 244 may also display the user's personal bestperformance in the same or a comparable class, to allow the user 106 tocompare their current performance to their previous personal best. Insome examples, such performance information may also be displayed in oneor more of the display bars 240, 242. The leaderboard 244 may alsohighlight certain participants, such as those that the user 106 follows,or provide other visual cues to indicate a connection or provide otherinformation about a particular entry on the leaderboard 244.

In various exemplary embodiments, the leaderboard 244 will also allowthe user 106 to view their position and performance information at alltimes while scrolling through the leaderboard 244. For example, if theuser 106 scrolls up toward the top of the leaderboard 244 such as bydragging their fingers upward on the display 104, when the user 106reaches the bottom of the leaderboard 244, it will lock in position andthe rest of the leaderboard 244 will scroll underneath it. Similarly, ifthe user 106 scrolls down toward the bottom of the leaderboard 244, whenthe user's window reaches the top of the leaderboard 244, it will lockin position and the rest of the leaderboard 244 will continue to scrollunderneath it.

In various exemplary embodiments, the system 100 may calculate and/ordisplay one or more custom scores to describe one or more aspects of theusers' performance. One example of such a custom score would be adecimal number calculated for a particular class or user session. Such ascore could also be calculated using performance data from some or allclasses or sessions over a particular period of time. In any of theexamples described herein, such a custom score may be calculated and/orotherwise determined by the system 100 and/or by one or more processorsof the exercise machine 102 based at least partly on an amount of timeelapsed during an exercise class, a total output or total energyexpended by the user 106 during such a class, and/or a number ofexercise classes that the user 106 participated in within a given timeperiod.

In various exemplary embodiments, performance information about otherusers may also be presented on the leaderboard 244 or in any otherformat, including formats that can be sorted by relevant performanceparameters. Users may elect whether or not to make their performanceavailable to all users, select users, and/or instructors, or to maintainit as private so that no one else can view it.

In various exemplary embodiments the user interface 200 may also presentone or more video streams from a range of different sources. Forexample, one video stream may be the live or archived class contentshown in the primary window 236, while one or more additional videostreams may be displayed in other windows on the display 104. Thevarious video streams may include live or recorded streaming instructorvideo or any other video content, including one or more live video chatstreams. Such video content may include instructional information suchas informational or demonstration content regarding how to perform aparticular exercise. It may also include visual cues for the user 106 tofollow in performing their exercise, such as timing indicators, counts,etc.

In further examples, one or more of the in-class user interfaces 200illustrated in FIGS. 16-18 may be configured to provide one or morenotifications 246 to the user 106 during the exercise class. Forexample, one or more of the sensors 147 may be configured to sense,detect, and/or otherwise determine a load applied to at least one of thebelt 120, the deck 112, one or both of the motors 114, 118, and/or othercomponents of the exercise machine 102. Such sensors 147 may send one ormore signals to the processor or other digital hardware 148 of theexercise machine 102 indicative of such a load and/or of a change insuch a load. At least partly in response to such signals, the processoror other digital hardware 148 of the exercise machine 102 may cause thenotification 246 to be displayed on the display 104 together with atleast part of the exercise class selected by the user 106. Such signalsmay indicate, for example, that the user 106 has stepped off of the belt120 during a run segment of the exercise class. Accordingly, suchnotifications 246 may indicate that the user 106 has stepped off of thebelt 120 and/or the deck 112. Such notifications 246 may also request aresponse from the user 106. For example, such notifications 246 mayrequest the that the user 106 confirm that he/she is not hurt and/orthat the user 106 would like to continue exercising.

As illustrated by the example user interfaces 200 shown in FIGS. 19-21,if the user 106 selects the fourth tab 210 associated with the “justrun” functionality of the exercise machine 102, the system 100 mayprovide a user interface 200 showing information related to availablequick-start running exercises/applications. For example, the userinterface 200 may include one or more icons or thumbnails 248, 250, 252allowing the user 106 to select a desired exercise regimen. Thefreestyle icon 248 may, for example, enable the user 106 to set his/herown incline, belt speed, running course, and/or other parameters, andmay enable the user 106 to exercise in an undefined and unlimited way(e.g., without a specific exercise class being displayed on the display104). The scenic icon 250, may be similar to the freestyle icon 248 inthat it may enable the user 106 to exercise without a specific exerciseclass being displayed on the display 104. However, in response toreceiving an input indicative of the selection of the scenic icon 250,the user interface 200 may present a plurality of additional icons orthumbnails 254 corresponding to respective scenic running trails storedin a memory of the exercise machine 102. Such icons or thumbnails 254are illustrated in FIG. 20. Upon selecting one of the icons orthumbnails 254, the user interface 200 may display the selected runningtrail on the display 104 as the user 106 exercises on the treadmill 102.Further, the competitions icon 252 may enable the user 106 to perform arelatively high-intensity workout without a specific exercise classbeing displayed on the display 104. For example, in response toreceiving an input indicative of the selection of the competitions icon252, the user interface 200 may present a plurality of additional iconsor thumbnails 256 corresponding to respective time-based challenges orcompetitions stored in a memory of the exercise machine 102. Such iconsor thumbnails 256 are illustrated in FIG. 21. Upon selecting one of theicons or thumbnails 256, the user interface 200 may display belt speed,deck incline, output, elapsed time, mile pace, calories burn, and/orother performance parameters or other information on the display 104associated with the selected competition.

FIGS. 22-24 illustrate example user interfaces 200 configured to provideperformance information to the user 106 before, during, or after aselected exercise class. For example, the user interface 200 illustratedin FIG. 23 provides an overview of information associated with aparticular user 106 (e.g., “clementinecein”). As indicated in the userinterface 200 of FIG. 23, such information may include, among otherthings, the number of followers the user 106 has, the number of fellowparticipants that the user 106 is following, the total lifetime runs,rides, circuits, or other workouts that the user 106 has done, thevarious achievements or rewards the user 106 has accomplished, personalbest output records of the user 106, a timeline of the user's recentworkout activity, and/or other such general information associated withthe user's workout activities. Such information may be displayed in oneor more separate portions or windows 258, 260 of the user interface 200.In further examples, on the other hand, such information may be providedin the user interface 200 in alternative formats, windows, or locations.

The user interfaces 200 illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 24, on the otherhand, provide performance metrics, performance information, and/or othermore detailed information associated with the workout history of theparticular user 106. For example, as indicated in the user interface 200of FIG. 22, such information may include a listing of workouts or otherexercise classes performed by the user 106 in the present week and/or inthe present month. Such information may be displayed in a first window262 of the user interface 200, and may further include a summary of theuser's output during each exercise class, the date and time of theclass, the instructor, and/or other information. The user interface 200may also include one or more additional windows 264 and/or other formatsuseful in providing additional information regarding the workout historyof the user 106. For example, such an additional window 264 may providespecific performance metrics (e.g., a heart rate trend line, a segmentedtimeline, an average heart rate, a total output, and/or otherperformance metrics) associated with a specific one of the previousworkouts shown in the first window 262.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 24, one or more additional userinterfaces 200 providing information associated with the workout historyof the particular user 106 may include the window 262 described above,as well as one or more additional windows 266, 268 providing theachievements, output trends, and/or other workout information. Forexample, the window 266 may display the total output, distance run,elevation ascended, calories burned, average output and/or energyexpended, average speed, average mile pace, and/or other informationassociated with a specific one of the previous workouts shown in thefirst window 262. The window 266 may also display the leaderboard rankof the user 106 corresponding to the specific one of the previousworkouts, as well as various achievements earned for performing the oneof the previous workouts. The window 268, on the other hand, may providespeed, output, and or other trend lines associated with the specific oneof the previous workouts. As a result, the user interfaces 200illustrated in FIGS. 22-24 may provide the user 106 with relativelydetailed performance information that can be used by the user 106 toimprove his/her overall health and/or abilities. Any of the informationprovided via the user interfaces 200 described herein may be stored in amemory or other component of the digital hardware 148 of the exercisemachine 102 and/or may be stored remotely.

The performance-focused user interfaces 200 illustrated in FIGS. 22-24may also be configured to provide information obtained from variousadditional sources. For example, data regarding user performance may begathered from a variety of sources in addition to the various sensors147 on the primary exercise machine 102. As illustrated in FIG. 5, otherexercise machines 102 and devices used during an exercise class may eachinclude one or more sensors to gather information regarding userperformance. The user 106 may also use a variety of other clothing ordevices attached to their body (e.g., a watch, a wrist band, a headband, a hat, shoes, etc.) including one or more additional sensors 270.The user 106 may also use other exercise equipment 272 such as weights,resistance bands, rollers, or any other suitable equipment, and suchexercise equipment 272 may also include one or more such additionalsensors 270. Data from all of these sources may be gathered by the localsystem 100 and analyzed to provide user performance feedback.

One challenge with certain types of data gathered from such sensors 270is determining the proper context for interpreting the data so thataccurate information regarding user performance can be derived. Forexample, a sensor 270 worn on the user's wrist may provide dataindicating that the user's wrist performed a series of movementsconsistent with several different exercises, but it may be difficult orimpossible to derive which exercise the user 106 was actuallyperforming. Without context, data showing that the user's wrist moved upand down may indicate that the user 106 was running or they may simplyhave been moving their arm. As a result, performance data derived fromsuch sensors 270 can be very inaccurate.

In various exemplary embodiments, data from a variety of sensors 270 onexercise equipment 272 such as free weights and on the users' body canbe gathered, and the system 100 can use information regarding theinstructor-led group fitness class to improve accuracy by providingcontext for the interpretation of sensor data gathered from all sources.If the class instructor has, for example, directed users 106 to dopush-ups, the system 100 can assume that sensed movement consistent witha push-up is actually a push-up and interpret the sensor dataaccordingly. The context provided by the instructor-led group fitnessclass can substantially improve the resulting performance data.

Accordingly, the one or more user interfaces 200 described with respectto at least FIGS. 22-24 may also provide one or more additional windowsthat can be used to display any of the performance data and/or otherinformation obtained from the sensors 270 and/or the exercise equipment272. Such additional windows may also be configured to display a rangeof content including additional performance data, information about theclass, instructor, other participants, etc., or secondary video streams.Such additional windows can allow the user 106 to see a range ofinformation regarding other current or past participants to compareperformance, and open or close voice or video chat streams or othercommunication channels. In various exemplary embodiments the user 106can simultaneously access and/or view other content including movies,television channels, online channels, etc. via one or more suchadditional windows.

In various exemplary embodiments, the user interfaces 200 describedherein may be run through a local program or application using a localoperating system such as an Android or iOS application, or via abrowser-based system. Any of the performance metrics or otherinformation described herein with respect to the various user interfaces200 may also be accessed remotely via any suitable network such as theinternet. For example, users 106 may be able to access a website from atablet, mobile phone, computer, and/or any other digital device, andsuch users 106 may be able to review historical information, communicatewith other participants, schedule classes, access instructorinformation, and/or view any of the information described herein withrespect to the various user interfaces 200 through such a website.

User-Generated Content

One feature of in-person group exercise classes is the ability to seeother participants performing the exercises or other activities inresponse to the class leader's instructions. This ability to see othersperforming the same exercises or activities can provide motivation tomaintain or improve performance, or help the user confirm that they areperforming the proper exercise with proper form. In various exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure, video streams can be displayed onthe one or more displays 104 of the respective exercise machines 102showing other class participants performing the exercises as instructedby an instructor or other class leader. In various exemplaryembodiments, such additional video streams may include user-generatedcontent related to the live or previously recorded exercise classcontent. Referring to FIG. 8 for example, an exemplary embodiment isillustrated wherein video streams of other class participants aredisplayed in sub-windows 274 a, 274 b, 274 c . . . 274 n (collectively“sub-windows 274”) across a top portion of a user interface 200 shown onthe display 104. Such sub-windows 274 may be displayed on the display104 while an instructor is displayed in a primary window 276 of the userinterface 200. If the class is a live class, such content may bestreamed live. If the class is an archived class, such content may bestreamed live if the other class participant is taking the class at thesame time, or may be archived content from when the other classparticipant previously took the class. One or more of such video streamsmay be displayed on the one or more displays 104 described herein.Additionally, by touching, selecting, and/or otherwise providing inputvia one of the sub-windows 274, the user interface 200 may provide anadditional window 278 enabling the user 106 to expand a video associatedwith the selected sub-window, follow a user associated with the selectedsub-window, and/or perform one or more additional actions associatedwith the selected sub-window.

In various exemplary embodiments, the user 106 may also be able toprovide feedback regarding such user generated content. For example, theuser 106 may be able to input positive or negative feedback such asindicating that they like or dislike the user-generated content byclicking on an icon provided via the additional window 278 indicatingtheir opinion or otherwise inputting their opinion.

In various exemplary embodiments, the user 106 may also choose whetheror not to display any such user-generated content. If user-generatedcontent is displayed, which user-generated content is displayed to aparticular user 106 can be determined several different ways. In variousexemplary embodiments, the user-generated content may be chosen by theuser 106 by selecting it from among the available user-generated contentfor a particular exercise class currently be displayed via the display104. Such user-generated content may also be chosen by the classinstructor or one or more content editors, it may be presented via acontent queue ordered based on any suitable criteria, or it may bechosen by the system 100 based on one or more suitable criteria. Forexample, the user-generated content to be displayed could simply be atime-based queue of available user-generated content without regard toquality.

In various exemplary embodiments, the user-generated content to bedisplayed may be selected to provide the best quality user-generatedcontent available for a particular selected exercise class at the timeof viewing. At the time the class is aired live, the availableuser-generated content would be limited to live streamed contentgenerated during the class itself. For archived classes, the availableuser-generated content could include all content generated by every userthat has participated in the class at any time. The user-generatedcontent to be displayed for an archived class may be based onaccumulated ratings for that user-generated content over time, or on anyother measure of popularity. Such a methodology would result in animprovement of the user-generated content displayed with any archivedclass over time, as the user-generated content receiving the bestfeedback would be selected for display while user-generated content thatdid not receive positive feedback would not be displayed.

Local System

As noted above, an example local system 100 may include an exercisemachine 102, and a range of associated sensing, data storage,processing, and/or communications components (e.g., digital hardware148). In example embodiments, such components may be disposed onboardthe exercise machine 102 itself and/or located near the exercise machine102. The processing, data storage, and/or communications components maybe located within a housing of the display 104 to form a singleintegrated onboard computer and display screen, or they may beseparately housed locally on or near the exercise machine 102. Such anexample local system 100 may communicate with one or more remote serversthrough wired or wireless connections using any suitable network orprotocol.

Additionally as noted above, an example exercise machine 102 may beequipped with various sensors 147 to measure, sense, detect, and/orotherwise determine information relating to user performance metrics.Such information may be stored in memory associated with the digitalhardware 148 and/or in memory associated with the remote servers, andsuch information may be used by the processors and/or other componentsof the digital hardware 148 to determine one or more of the performancemetrics described herein and/or to determine other performanceinformation. The exercise machine 102 may also be equipped with orconnected to various data input devices or other user interfaces such asthe display 104, touchscreens, video cameras, and/or microphones.

The sensors 147 and other input devices can communicate with localand/or remote processing and storage devices via any suitablecommunications protocol and network, using any suitable connectionincluding wired or wireless connections. In various exemplaryembodiments, local communication may be managed using a variety oftechniques. For example, local communication may be managed using wiredtransport with a serial protocol to communicate between sensors and theconsole. Local communication may also be managed using a wirelesscommunication protocol such as the ANT or ANT+ protocol. ANT is a 2.4GHz practical wireless networking protocol and embedded system solutionspecifically designed for wireless sensor networks (WSN) that requireultra-low power. Advantages include extremely compact architecture,network flexibility and scalability, ease of use and low system cost.Various combinations of wired and wireless local communication may alsobe used.

Access to any appropriate communications network such as the internetmay be used to provide information to and receive information from otherexercise machines 102 or other resources such as a backend system orplatform. In various exemplary embodiments, the local system 100 canaccess and display information relating to other users either directlythrough a distributed platform or indirectly through a central platformregardless of their location. Such other users may be present at thesame location or a nearby location, or they may be at a remote location.

Content Creation and Distribution

Content for delivery to users 106 including live and archived exerciseclasses, live and archived instructional content such as video contentexplaining how to properly perform an exercise, scenic or map-basedcontent, videos, and/or animations that can be rendered inthree-dimensions from any angle may be created and stored in variouslocal or remote locations and shared across the networked exercisesystem. Such an example networked exercise system is illustrated in atleast FIG. 9. This overview of such a networked exercise system isexemplary only and it will be readily understood that exampleembodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented through avariety of different system architectures using centralized ordistributed content creation and distribution techniques.

In various exemplary embodiments, the networked exercise system 100 ismanaged through one or more networked backend servers and includesvarious databases for storage of user information, system information,performance information, archived content, etc. Users' local systems 100are in communication with the networked backend servers via anyappropriate network, including without limitation the internet. As anexample of an alternative distribution approach, in various exemplaryembodiments the backend servers could be eliminated and data could becommunicated throughout the system in a distributed or peer-to-peermanner rather than via a central server network. In such a system,performance data may be broken up into small packets or “pieces” anddistributed among user devices such that complete data sets are quicklydistributed to all devices for display as required.

Content for distribution through the network can be created in a varietyof different ways. Content recording locations may include professionalcontent recording studios or amateur and home-based locations. Invarious exemplary embodiments, recording studios may include space forlive instructor-led exercise classes with live studio participation, ormay be dedicated studios with no live, in-studio participation. As shownin FIG. 9, recording equipment including one or more video cameras 300,microphones 302, mp3 players or other music players 304, and/or othercomponents and can be used to capture the instructor and/or participantsduring the class. Multiple cameras 300 can provide different views, and3D cameras 300 can be used to create 3D content. In various exemplaryembodiments, content may also be generated locally by users 106. Forexample, exercise machines 102 may be equipped with recording equipmentincluding microphones 302 and cameras 300. Users 106 may generate liveor recorded classes that can be transmitted, stored in the system, anddistributed throughout the network.

With continued reference to FIG. 9, class content may be generated byproviding outputs of the one or more video cameras 300, microphones 302,and/or music players 304 as inputs to an audio mixer 306. The audiomixer 306 may output content to an analog to digital converter 308,which may provide converted data to a production switcher 310. Theproduction switcher 310 may send the production video to a video encoder312, which may store the encoded video to a local storage device 314,and may also send it to a video transcoder 316. The video transcoder 316may output transcoded data to a video packetizer 318, which may thensend a packetized data stream out through a content distribution network320 to remote system users 322. In various exemplary embodiments,instructors and/or users 106 may be provided with access to a contentcreation platform that they can use to help them create content. Such aplatform may provide tools for selecting and editing music, managingvolume controls, pushing out chat or other communications to users.

As described above, through the display 104 and/or other user interfaceon their exercise machine 102, users 106 may access lists, calendars,and schedules of live and recorded exercise classes available fordelivery through the display 104. In various exemplary embodiments, oncethe user 106 selects a class, the local system 100 accesses and displaysa primary data stream for the class. This primary data stream mayinclude video, music, voice, text, or any other data, and may representa live or previously recorded cycling class. The local system 100 may beequipped for hardware video accelerated encoding/decoding to manage highdefinition video quality at up to 1080 pixels based on existingtechnology. The local system 100 may automatically adjustbitrate/quality of the data stream for the class in order to bringparticipant the highest quality video according to user'sbandwidth/hardware limitations.

In various exemplary embodiments, networked exercise systems and methodsof the present disclosure may include multi-directional communicationand data transfer capabilities that allow video, audio, voice, and datasharing among all users and/or instructors. This allows users to accessand display multi-directional video and audio streams from theinstructor and/or other users regardless of location, and to establishdirect communications with other users to have private or conferencedvideo and/or audio communications during live or recorded classes. Suchdata streams can be established through the local system 100 forpresentation via the one or more displays 104 via one or more of theuser interfaces 200 described above. In various exemplary embodiments,users 106 can manage multiple data streams to select and control inputsand outputs. The local system 100 may allow the user 106 to control thevolume of primary audio stream for the class as well as other audiochannels for different users or even unrelated audio streams such astelephone calls or their own music selections. For example, this wouldallow a user 106 to turn down the instructor volume to facilitate aconversation with other users.

For live classes, in various exemplary embodiments the instructor mayhave the ability to communicate with the entire class simultaneously orto contact individual users, and solicit feedback from all usersregardless of location in real-time. For example, instructors could askusers verbally, or text a pop-up message to users 106, seeking feedbackon difficulty level, music choice, terrain, etc. Users 106 could thenrespond through components of the local system 100 by selecting anappropriate response, or providing verbal feedback. This allowsinstructors to use crowdsourcing to tailor a class to the needs of theparticipants, and to improve their classes by soliciting feedback orvoting on particular class features or elements.

In various exemplary embodiments, instructors may also be able to setperformance targets, and the system can measure and display to the user106 and the instructor their performance relative to the target. Forexample, the instructor may set target metrics e.g. target power andspeed, then display this next to users' readings with a color coding toindicate whether or not the user is meeting this target. The system mayallow the instructor to remotely adjust exercise machine settings forindividual users 106. In various exemplary embodiments, the exercisemachine 102 may also automatically adjust based on information from theuser 106, the instructor, or based on performance. For example, theexercise machine 102 may adjust the difficulty to maintain a particularperformance parameter such as heart rate within a particular range or tomeet a particular performance target.

In various exemplary embodiments, users 106 can control access to theirown information, including sensor data, performance metrics, andpersonal information. Such data can be stored at the local system 100,transmitted for storage and management by a remote system and sharedwith other users, or stored remotely but not shared with other users.Users 106 may also elect to disclose their presence on the system toother users, or to participate in a class without making their presenceknown to other users.

In various exemplary embodiments, users 106 can access a list of all orselected current and/or past class participants. Such lists may includeperformance information for such users, such as total power, speed,steps, cadence, resistance, or a custom score that provides informationabout relative user performance. Such lists may also include controls toallow the user to open up live streams to the user such as live videochat streams.

System Features and User Resources

In various exemplary embodiments, the networked exercise system andmethods may allow users 106 to create accounts and save and manage theirperformance data. As discussed above, the system may allow users 106 tobrowse schedules for upcoming live classes, signup for future livestreaming classes, and setup reminders. Users 106 may also be able toinvite others to participate in a live class, and setup text, email,voice, or other notifications and calendar entries. Users 106 may beable to access system, account, performance, and all other data viaweb-based or application based interfaces for desktop and/or mobiledevices, in addition to the user interface for the local system 100associated with their exercise machine 102.

In various exemplary embodiments, the system can provide forsimultaneous participation by multiple users in a recorded class,synchronized by the system and allowing access to all of the samecommunication and data sharing features that are available for a liveclass. With such a feature, the participants simultaneouslyparticipating in the same archived class can compete against each other,as well as against past performances or “ghost” participants for thesame class.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the system may be configured to feedsynchronized live and/or archived video content and live and/or archivedsensor data to users over the network. In various exemplary embodiments,the networked exercise system may be configured with a plurality of userexercise equipment 400 in communication with a video chat platform 402,a video content distribution network 404 that receives audio videocontent from one or more content sources 406. The user exerciseequipment 400 may also be in communication with various other networksand servers. For example, the user exercise equipment 400 may exchangesensor and performance data and/or signaling with various databases 408,including historical or “ghost participant” data. A control station mayprovide signals via the network to control the collection, storage, andmanagement of data across the system.

One challenge for the use of comparative data from live and/orhistorical sources is synchronization, since some users 106 may startexercising prior to the start of the actual class, while others may joinafter the class has started. In order to provide accurate data regardingclass performance for the leaderboard, including archived performancedata, each class may have a specific “go” or start signal that serves asthe starting time point for the data comparison. Archived performancedata may be calibrated to the same “go” signal as live participant data,allowing for comparative data to be presented through a leaderboard orother display through the end of the class. A “stop” signal at the endof the class marks the end time point for the performance comparison forboth live and archived performance data. If a participant joins theclass after the “go” signal, their data can be synched correctlystarting at the time they join the class.

FIG. 11 shows various events relative to time, which is increasing fromleft to right on the scale at the bottom. The timeline for the classitself, whether live or archived, is shown at the top, with timelinesfor four different participants below it. The video being delivered fora live or archived class may begin before the actual class starts at thevideo start point 420. The GO signal point 422 indicates the start ofthe class or the class's comparison period, the STOP signal point 424indicates the end of the class or the end of the class's comparisonperiod, and the end video point 426 indicates the end of the videostream. For Participants 1, 2, and 4, who all start exercising beforethe GO signal point, the GO signal serves as their starting time pointfor class performance metrics. For Participant 3, the point in time whenthey actually start will serve as their starting time point for classperformance metrics. For Participants 1, 2, and 3 who continued past theSTOP signal point, their end point for class performance metrics will bethe STOP signal point, while the end point for Participant 4 will be thetime when they actually stopped exercising.

Using such a system, live and past performance data for the user orother participants can be provided during a class in a range ofnumerical and graphical formats for comparison and competition. Live andpast performance data or target performance data for the user can alsobe displayed simultaneously to allow users to compare their performanceto a benchmark in real time during or after a class. In variousexemplary embodiments, the system may also allow users to establishhandicapping systems to equalize the competition among different usersor user groups allowing for broad based competitions.

In various exemplary embodiments, the system may combine informationfrom multiple users 106 to produce a combined or collective result. Forexample, different user's performance information could be combined toproduce a single performance measurement such as in a relay type race,where the times for different users are collected and combined into asingle time or score for a team.

In various exemplary embodiments, the system may also combine the user'sperformance from two or more different exercise machines 102 to producea single output or score. For example, performance information gatheredfrom a bike and a treadmill used sequentially or as part of the samegroup exercise class may be combined together in a single output thatreflects performance data from the plurality of exercise machines 102.

In various exemplary embodiments, a mobile application may allow userson non-networked exercise machines to access the system via a mobiledigital device such as a tablet computer or mobile phone and accesscontent, live streams, and other system features. The mobile devicecould access the system via any appropriate network using a dedicatedapplication or browser.

In various exemplary embodiments, one or more secondary displays may beused by the system to display class content. Using a device such asCHROMECAST or a similar integrated device to enable it to displaycontent provided by the system through the user interface, a secondarydisplay screen may be used to display class content or other contentprovided by the system. The user interface could automatically detectthe availability of such an enabled device and allow the user to selectthe display screen for particular content.

Various types of rewards and honors can be created for differentachievements to create incentives for improving performance or reachingother goals. In various exemplary embodiments, the instructor or userscan create mini-competitions for participation by all users or just aselected subset of users such as a group of friends. Competitions suchas sprints, hill climbs, maximum power output, etc. can be preset orcreated in real-time through the user interface. Winners can be rewardedwith prizes such as badges, trophies, or biking specific honors such asa green or yellow jersey. Competitions can be created within a class orsession, or across multiple classes or sessions.

CLAUSES

The example clauses A-T noted below set forth example embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Any of the clauses below, or individual featuresthereof, may be combined in any way. Further, the descriptions includedin any of the example clauses below may be combined with one or morefeatures described above or illustrated in FIGS. 1-40. The clauses notedbelow are not intended to narrow the scope of the present disclosure inany way, and merely constitute examples of the various embodimentsdescribed herein.

-   -   A: In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a deck        for a treadmill comprises: a continuous track, and a plurality        of slats connected to the track, the track and the plurality of        slats at least partly defining an inner space of the deck, and        being rotatable about the inner space; a first motor configured        to modify a speed of rotation of the track; and a second motor        configured to modify a position of the deck relative to a        support surface on which the deck is supported, wherein the        first motor and the second motor are disposed within the inner        space.    -   B: The deck of clause A, further comprising a substantially        rigid frame, at least one of the first motor and the second        motor being connected to a component of the frame disposed at        least partly within the inner space.    -   C: The deck of clause A or B, wherein the track comprises a        first track, the deck further comprising a second track disposed        opposite and substantially parallel to the first track, the        plurality of slats being connected to the first track and the        second track.    -   D: The deck of clause C, wherein the first track is mated with a        first gear, the second track is mated with a second gear        disposed opposite the first gear, the first gear and the second        gear are connected to a shaft disposed at least partly within        the inner space, and at least one of the first gear and the        second gear is driven by the first motor.    -   E: The deck of clause A, B, C, or D, further comprising: a        linkage connected to the second motor, and an incline frame        connected to the linkage, at least part of the incline frame        extending external to the inner space and being configured to        act on the support surface to modify the position of the deck.    -   F: The deck of clause E, wherein the position comprises an        incline of the deck relative to the support surface.    -   G: The deck of clause A, B, C, D, E, or F, further comprising a        substantially rigid frame, the frame including a first sidewall,        a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and at least one        crossbar extending from the first sidewall to the second        sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall forming at        least part of the inner space, and at least one of the first        motor and the second motor being connected to the at least one        crossbar.    -   H: The deck of clause A, B, C, D, E, F, or G, wherein at least        one slat of the plurality of slats comprises a substantially        rigid base, and a polymeric cover connected to the base. The        deck of clause H, wherein the polymeric cover is overmolded onto        the base.    -   J: The deck of clause H or I, wherein the base comprises a top        surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a spine        extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottom surface        and substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the base,        wherein the spine extends from proximate a first end of the at        least one slat to proximate a second end of the at least one        slat opposite the first end, and the cover is disposed on the        top surface.    -   K: In another example embodiment of the present disclosure, a        treadmill comprises: a deck; an upper assembly connected to the        deck and including a crossbar; a display supported by the        crossbar; and a controller operably connected to the deck and        the display, the deck including: a continuous track, a plurality        of slats connected to the track, the track and the plurality of        slats forming a substantially planar running surface and at        least partly defining an inner space of the deck, a first motor        configured to modify a speed of rotation of the track, and a        second motor configured to modify a position of the deck        relative to a support surface on which the exercise machine is        supported, wherein the first motor and the second motor are        disposed within the inner space.    -   L: The treadmill of clause K, the deck further comprising a        substantially rigid frame, wherein the first motor, the second        motor, and the upper assembly are connected to the frame, and        the frame at least partly defines the inner space.    -   M: The treadmill of clause L, wherein the frame includes a first        sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and at        least one crossbar extending from the first sidewall to the        second sidewall, the inner space extending from the first        sidewall to the second sidewall, and at least one of the first        motor and the second motor being connected to the at least one        crossbar.    -   N: The treadmill of clause K, L, or M, the deck further        comprising a linkage connected to the second motor, and an        incline frame connected to the linkage, at least part of the        incline frame extending external to the inner space and being        configured to act on the support surface to modify an incline of        the deck relative to the support surface.    -   O: The treadmill of clause K, L, M, or N, wherein the track is        mated with a gear coupled to the first motor and at least partly        disposed within the inner space, the first motor being        configured to drive rotation of the track and the plurality of        slats about the inner space via the gear.    -   P: The treadmill of clause K, L, M, N, or 0, wherein at least        one slat of the plurality of slats comprises: a substantially        rigid base, and a polymeric cover connected to the base, the        base including a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top        surface, and a spine extending substantially perpendicularly        from the bottom surface and substantially parallel to a        longitudinal axis of the base, wherein the spine extends from        proximate a first end of the at least one slat to proximate a        second end of the at least one slat opposite the first end, and        the cover is disposed on the top surface.    -   Q: The treadmill of clause P, wherein the cover includes a tread        pattern, and wherein the base includes at least one rib opposite        the spine and extending substantially parallel to the        longitudinal axis.    -   R: In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a method        of manufacturing a treadmill comprises: providing a        substantially rigid frame having a first sidewall, a second        sidewall opposite the first sidewall, a least one at least one        crossbar extending from the first sidewall to the second        sidewall; connecting a first motor to the frame; connecting a        second motor to the frame; engaging a continuous track with the        first motor; and connecting a plurality of slats to the track,        wherein: the track and the plurality of slats form a        substantially planar running surface, the track, the plurality        of slats, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall at least        partly define an inner space, the first motor and the second        motor are disposed within the inner space, the first motor is        configured to modify a speed of rotation of the track, and the        second motor is configured to modify a position of the frame        relative to a support surface on which the frame is supported.    -   S: The method of clause R, further comprising: connecting a        linkage to the second motor, and connecting an incline frame to        the linkage, at least part of the incline frame extending        external to the inner space and being configured to act on the        support surface to modify an incline of the frame relative to        the support surface.    -   T: The method of clause S, further comprising: mating the track        with a gear, and coupling the gear to the first motor, the first        motor being configured to drive rotation of the track and the        plurality of slats about the inner space via the gear.

CONCLUSION

The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustrationonly and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, the claimedsubject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or alldisadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure. Variousmodifications and changes may be made to the subject matter describedherein without following the examples and applications illustrated anddescribed, and without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A deck for a treadmill, the deck comprising: acontinuous track, and a plurality of slats connected to the track, thetrack and the plurality of slats at least partly defining an inner spaceof the deck, and being rotatable about the inner space; a first motorconfigured to modify a speed of rotation of the track; and a secondmotor configured to modify a position of the deck relative to a supportsurface on which the deck is supported, wherein the first motor and thesecond motor are disposed within the inner space.
 2. The deck of claim1, further comprising a substantially rigid frame, at least one of thefirst motor and the second motor being connected to a component of theframe disposed at least partly within the inner space.
 3. The deck ofclaim 1, wherein the track comprises a first track, the deck furthercomprising a second track disposed opposite and substantially parallelto the first track, the plurality of slats being connected to the firsttrack and the second track.
 4. The deck of claim 3, wherein the firsttrack is mated with a first gear, the second track is mated with asecond gear disposed opposite the first gear, the first gear and thesecond gear are connected to a shaft disposed at least partly within theinner space, and at least one of the first gear and the second gear isdriven by the first motor.
 5. The deck of claim 1, further comprising: alinkage connected to the second motor, and an incline frame connected tothe linkage, at least part of the incline frame extending external tothe inner space and being configured to act on the support surface tomodify the position of the deck.
 6. The deck of claim 5, wherein theposition comprises an incline of the deck relative to the supportsurface.
 7. The deck of claim 1, further comprising a substantiallyrigid frame, the frame including a first sidewall, a second sidewallopposite the first sidewall, and at least one crossbar extending fromthe first sidewall to the second sidewall, the first sidewall and thesecond sidewall forming at least part of the inner space, and at leastone of the first motor and the second motor being connected to the atleast one crossbar.
 8. The deck of claim 1, wherein at least one slat ofthe plurality of slats comprises a substantially rigid base, and apolymeric cover connected to the base.
 9. The deck of claim 8, whereinthe polymeric cover is overmolded onto the base.
 10. The deck of claim8, wherein the base comprises a top surface, a bottom surface oppositethe top surface, and a spine extending substantially perpendicularlyfrom the bottom surface and substantially parallel to a longitudinalaxis of the base, wherein the spine extends from proximate a first endof the at least one slat to proximate a second end of the at least oneslat opposite the first end, and the cover is disposed on the topsurface.
 11. A treadmill, comprising: a deck; an upper assemblyconnected to the deck and including a crossbar; a display supported bythe crossbar; and a controller operably connected to the deck and thedisplay, the deck including: a continuous track, a plurality of slatsconnected to the track, the track and the plurality of slats forming asubstantially planar running surface and at least partly defining aninner space of the deck, a first motor configured to modify a speed ofrotation of the track, and a second motor configured to modify aposition of the deck relative to a support surface on which the exercisemachine is supported, wherein the first motor and the second motor aredisposed within the inner space.
 12. The treadmill of claim 11, the deckfurther comprising a substantially rigid frame, wherein the first motor,the second motor, and the upper assembly are connected to the frame, andthe frame at least partly defines the inner space.
 13. The treadmill ofclaim 12, wherein the frame includes a first sidewall, a second sidewallopposite the first sidewall, and at least one crossbar extending fromthe first sidewall to the second sidewall, the inner space extendingfrom the first sidewall to the second sidewall, and at least one of thefirst motor and the second motor being connected to the at least onecrossbar.
 14. The treadmill of claim 11, the deck further comprising alinkage connected to the second motor, and an incline frame connected tothe linkage, at least part of the incline frame extending external tothe inner space and being configured to act on the support surface tomodify an incline of the deck relative to the support surface.
 15. Thetreadmill of claim 11, wherein the track is mated with a gear coupled tothe first motor and at least partly disposed within the inner space, thefirst motor being configured to drive rotation of the track and theplurality of slats about the inner space via the gear.
 16. The treadmillof claim 11, wherein at least one slat of the plurality of slatscomprises: a substantially rigid base, and a polymeric cover connectedto the base, the base including a top surface, a bottom surface oppositethe top surface, and a spine extending substantially perpendicularlyfrom the bottom surface and substantially parallel to a longitudinalaxis of the base, wherein the spine extends from proximate a first endof the at least one slat to proximate a second end of the at least oneslat opposite the first end, and the cover is disposed on the topsurface.
 17. The treadmill of claim 16, wherein the cover includes atread pattern, and wherein the base includes at least one rib oppositethe spine and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.18. A method of manufacturing a treadmill, comprising: providing asubstantially rigid frame having a first sidewall, a second sidewallopposite the first sidewall, a least one at least one crossbar extendingfrom the first sidewall to the second sidewall; connecting a first motorto the frame; connecting a second motor to the frame; engaging acontinuous track with the first motor; and connecting a plurality ofslats to the track, wherein: the track and the plurality of slats form asubstantially planar running surface, the track, the plurality of slats,the first sidewall, and the second sidewall at least partly define aninner space, the first motor and the second motor are disposed withinthe inner space, the first motor is configured to modify a speed ofrotation of the track, and the second motor is configured to modify aposition of the frame relative to a support surface on which the frameis supported.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: connectinga linkage to the second motor, and connecting an incline frame to thelinkage, at least part of the incline frame extending external to theinner space and being configured to act on the support surface to modifyan incline of the frame relative to the support surface.
 20. The methodof claim 19, further comprising: mating the track with a gear, andcoupling the gear to the first motor, the first motor being configuredto drive rotation of the track and the plurality of slats about theinner space via the gear.